Strong Independents to give tough fight to Cong, JD(S)

No BJP flag-bearer in Malur constituency this election

The Malur Assembly elections this time has thrown up many surprises to the people. BJP which had its legislator twice-elected in the constituency, is missing from the action.

This has prompted many to say that the BJP has already lost the election, without even contesting it. Besides, ‘outsiders’ and ‘Independents’ will vie among each other this time.

S N Krishnaiah Setty, once a BJP legislator, expected to get the ticket from the party but he is contesting as an Independent, as the party denied him the ticket. In spite of this, he is expected to give a tough fight to the opponents. People are also curious to know the fate of former ZP member G E Ramegowda who is also contesting as an Independent candidate.

Janata Dal (Secular) candidate K S Manjunath has cemented his base by conducting various programmes in the constituency. He is a native of Kodihalli, Hoskote taluk, Bangalore Rural, while the Congress gave ticket to Channakeshava, a native of Bili Shivale, at the last minute. These two have been considered as ‘outsiders’ in the constituency. G E Ramegowda is also in the fray.

Caste factor decisive

Votes might get scattered among the four as they enjoy a good support in the constituency. Besides, their caste factor may also play a pivotal role. Except for Channakeshava, the other three candidates are known for their various social welfare programmes in the constituency.

Apart from the four candidates, there are 51 in fray including Ravikumar (BSP), Amaresh MP (Samajvadi Janata Party, Karnataka ), K Jayalakshmi (BSR), Narayanswami (KJP), M R Vijaykumar (Lok Janashakti Party), S R Krishnaiah Setty, H M Krishnaiah Shetty, B V Nagaraj, Manjunath, Manjunath Gowda and R Rurappa (Independents).

BJP had managed to enjoy its victory run twice through Krishnaiah Setty in the constituency and everyone expected that this time too Setty will be the party candidate. But, Setty, who is facing land grabbing charges, was denied the ticket.

Hence, BJP has no candidates in Malur constituency, while Setty is contesting as the Independent candidate. In the last election, he had won on a whopping 52,401 votes. This time he has to face JD(S) and Congress and other Independents.

In the local body election, the BJP had won 12 seats of the total 23 posts and majority of the members have declared their support to Setty. This may have an impact on other parties.

Votes may be divided between JD(S) candidate K S Manjunath and Independent candidate Ramegowda as they both belong to the Vokkaliga community. Vokkaligas comprise 60,000 in the constituency. Though both have worked as social servants, how much of it will translate into votes, ask many.

Congress candidate Chennakeshava belongs to Kuruba community and the community comprises 20,000 population. Caste factor may prove decisive for their win, say many here.

During the last election, R Prabhakar from JD(S) and J Krishna Singh from the Congress were elected second and third winner respectively. BJP candidate Setty had won the election. Though Prabhakar and Singh were locals, the people did not support them. Setty was elected for the second time as well.

This time, there are ‘outsiders’ in both JD(S) and Congress. Only time will tell, will the ‘outsiders’ and ‘local’ factor work this time among the voters.